Greece – Destination Guide

Greece is a sun-drenched land of myth, history, and Mediterranean charm. From the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades to the ancient ruins of Athens and the rugged wilderness of Crete, this country offers the perfect balance between relaxation, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re sailing between islands, wandering through olive groves, exploring temples of the gods, or feasting on meze by the sea – Greece is timeless, romantic, and endlessly captivating.

🏝️ Regions to Explore

🏛️ Athens & Mainland Greece

The birthplace of Western civilization, blending ancient ruins, vibrant neighborhoods, and mountain landscapes.

• Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon – icons of Greece’s golden age
• Stroll through Plaka, Monastiraki, and the colorful Anafiotika district
• Explore Delphi, Meteora, and ancient Olympia on easy day trips
• Discover the Peloponnese – home to Mycenae, Nafplio, and Mani Peninsula

🏖️ The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos)

The postcard-perfect heart of the Aegean – whitewashed villages, deep-blue seas, and spectacular sunsets.

• Watch the sunset over the caldera in Oia, Santorini
• Party under the stars in Mykonos or unwind in quiet Naxos
• Wander narrow lanes lined with bougainvillea in Paros
• Hop between secluded beaches and traditional villages by ferry

🏞️ Crete

Greece’s largest island – rich in mythology, history, and dramatic natural beauty.

• Hike the legendary Samaria Gorge
• Discover the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Europe’s oldest civilization
• Swim at Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi’s pink-sand beach
• Taste Cretan olive oil and mountain honey in local tavernas

🌅 The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia)

Lush, green islands influenced by Venetian culture and filled with natural beauty.

• Relax on Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Cove) in Zakynthos
• Visit monasteries and olive groves in Corfu’s hill villages
• Sail between quiet coves with crystal-clear turquoise water
• Discover Kefalonia’s caves, vineyards, and postcard-worthy coastline

⛵ Dodecanese & North Aegean Islands

Charming and lesser-known islands offering an authentic, laid-back vibe.

• Wander through Rhodes’ medieval Old Town and Palace of the Grand Masters
• Explore Samos and Lesvos for local food, wine, and thermal springs
• Discover the colorful harbors of Symi and Kalymnos – beloved by divers and sailors

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

• May – June & September – October – Warm weather, fewer crowds, ideal for swimming, hiking, and sightseeing
• July – August – Peak season with hot weather and vibrant nightlife
• November – April – Quieter, cooler months; great for cultural travel and lower prices

✈️ Getting There

Major International Airports

• Athens International Airport (ATH) – Main gateway for international arrivals and island connections
• Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) – Entry points to Crete
• Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), Rhodes (RHO) – Serve the main tourist islands

Transfers & Domestic Travel

• From Athens Airport to city – Metro Line 3 (40 min), airport express buses, or taxis (~€35 – 40)
• Ferries connect most islands from Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio ports
• Domestic flights are quick and affordable for longer island hops (Aegean Airlines, Sky Express)

🚙 Getting Around

• Ferries – Book via Ferryhopper or Greek Ferries; popular routes sell out in summer
• Car hire – Ideal for exploring Crete, Peloponnese, or larger islands
• Public transport – Reliable buses link towns and villages on most islands
• Scooters & ATVs – Common for short distances (always wear helmets)
• Taxis – Use official taxis; negotiate fares outside cities

🛂 Visas & Entry Requirements

• Greece is part of the Schengen Zone – 90 days visa-free for many nationalities
• Passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond departure date
• Schengen Visa required for non-exempt travelers
• Check up-to-date requirements at 👉 travel-europe.europa.eu

💬 Language

• Official language – Greek
• English widely spoken in tourism areas, hotels, and restaurants
• Learn a few phrases:

  • “Yassas” – Hello

  • “Efharisto” – Thank you

  • “Parakalo” – Please/You’re welcome

💰 Currency & Money

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• ATMs widely available in all towns
• Credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere
• Carry cash for small shops, cafés, and rural areas
• Tipping customary – 5 – 10% at restaurants; €1 – 2 for porters and taxis

💸 Tourist & Accommodation Taxes

Greece applies a Climate Resilience Fee (introduced in 2024) on all types of accommodation — hotels, villas, and short-term rentals — replacing the former “stayover tax.” It’s collected per room per night and helps fund climate-adaptation and infrastructure projects.

• April – October (High Season) – €1.50 – €15 per night depending on property rating (from 1-star hotels to 5-star resorts).
• November – March (Low Season) – €0.50 – €4 per night.
• Short-term rentals & villas – Around €1.50 – €10 per night, depending on size and category.
• Usually paid at check-in or check-out and not always included in your booking total.
• Some municipalities may also apply a small local occupancy tax (around 0.5 – 1%).

💡 Tip – Check your booking confirmation so you know whether this fee is already included or payable on arrival.

🧳 Practical Info

• Electricity – Plug types C & F | Voltage 230V | Frequency 50Hz
• Connectivity – Fast 4G/5G in cities and islands; most hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi
• Water – Tap water safe in cities; bottled water recommended on smaller islands
• Vaccinations – Routine vaccines advised; no special requirements
• Travel Insurance – Essential for health, theft, and cancellations
• Packing Tips – Bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, hat, and comfortable walking shoes. A lightweight scarf is handy for sun or church visits.
• Safety for All Travellers – Greece is LGBTQIA+ friendly and generally inclusive
• SIM & eSIMs – Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🙏 Etiquette & Culture

• Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries (cover shoulders and knees)
• Avoid loud conversations in religious or traditional settings
• Respect siesta hours (approx. 2 – 5 pm in smaller towns)
• Greeks are friendly – a warm greeting goes a long way

🧷 Safety

• Greece is safe and welcoming with low crime rates
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and ferries
• Only use licensed taxis and official ferry operators
• Observe local fire restrictions during summer – wildfires can occur in dry regions

🍽️ Food & Drink Experiences

Greece’s cuisine celebrates freshness, simplicity, and community. Meals are meant to be shared, often enjoyed outdoors with sea views and local wine.

• Moussaka – Layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel
• Souvlaki & Gyros – Grilled meat skewers or wraps with pita and tzatziki
• Greek Salad – Tomato, cucumber, olives, onion, and feta – never lettuce!
• Dolmades – Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs
• Fresh Seafood – Grilled octopus, sardines, calamari – best enjoyed by the coast
• Baklava – Phyllo pastry layered with nuts and honey syrup
• Meze Plates – Shared small dishes of dips, olives, cheeses, and spreads
• Ouzo or Tsipouro – Traditional anise spirits served with snacks
• Local Wine – Try Assyrtiko (white, Santorini) or Xinomavro (red, Macedonia)

Foodie Experiences to Try

• Join a Greek cooking class in Athens or Crete
• Visit a local winery for tastings overlooking the Aegean
• Enjoy sunset dining in Santorini or beachside tavernas in Paros
• Sample island specialties like Mykonos kopanisti (peppery cheese) or Crete dakos (barley rusk salad)

📍 Why Visit Greece?

Greece is where history, beauty, and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony. It’s a land of myth and light – where you can walk among ancient temples in the morning, swim in sapphire seas by afternoon, and share laughter over mezze and wine as the sun sets. Whether you’re here for the culture, cuisine, islands, or warmth of its people, Greece offers a travel experience that lingers long after you’ve left.